The Vietnam War: A Soldier's
Story

Photo curtesy of The Vietnam
War Achive

The Vietnam War, often referred to as the "Ten
Thousand Day War", was seen by all as horrible, and by many,
senseless. What started as a civil war between North and South
Vietnam, evolved into a full-blown war, taking the lives of many
American soldiers. In the twenty-four years the U.S. helped fight,
58,148 men and women were killed in action. Families, friends,
and neighbors all fought for the same cause. Although some of
the stories are similar most are very different. My Uncle John
Butts, was a soldier in the United States Air Force. He served
in Vietnam, and the story he tells is very interesting and thought
provoking. A story, of a war that would change his life forever.

As a twenty-three year
old sergeant in the Air Force, John had mixed feelings about
the war. He didn't agree with some of the decisions U.S. leaders
were making, but feeling a strong sense of nationalism, He volunteered
to go. During his time there he spent nights in bunkers, foxholes,
hard discomforting barracks, with thousands of men, of which
many he regarded as family. He admired most his supervisor CMsgt
(Chief Master Sergeant), Haney. A levelheaded, calming advisor,
whose counsel would help many soldiers during the wartime, o
cope with the day to day atrocities.

In the mid 60's, the Air Force
base at which he was stationed in DaNang, was rocketed and mortured.
He and his fellow soldiers were forced to evacuate with extreme
caution and speed. Any seconds closer could have meant death,
and for some it did. Their next stop would be in Thailand. While
in Thailand they would continue to carry our air raids. While
also in Thailand the war would finally come to an end. Many thoughts
raced through his mind. "Did he make it?" "Why
did I make it while others didn't?" These thoughts and many
others still course through his mind today.

Yes, the war was over; but
John's life had been changed forever. He had matured, achieved
a high level of self-discipline, and a greater value of the human
life. "I realized how fragile life was. In a mere flicker,
you could be gone." He had also attained a greater view
of world politics. "Most decisions on war should be made
by the military, not the politicians." "I am sad that
we withdrew from the war, to let the North Vietnam take over."
"There were a lot of mistakes that could have been avoided
if the military had had a stronger voice in the actions."

War, no matter how brief, can
have a tremendous impact on a person's life. Through this interview
I have learned much about the Vietnam War, and it's effects on
our society. I myself have realized through much of my research,
that a war never really ends. The war, with all the blood, tragedy,
loss, will still continue to be fought over and over againin
the minds of the many whose sacrifice changed their lives forever.